Oh this is such a slippery slope. How many repeat minor offenders graduate up to the major offender level? This is ticking poltical time bomb. Experience tells us that the consequences won’t be felt for a few years, then whamo! – somebody who participated in the process has to answer for a rash of violent crimes being committed by criminals who were viewed as low risk.

Jennifer Storm, the head of Dauphin County’s victims’ advocate office, said she supports treatment for nonviolent inmates as long as close tabs are kept on them and on their progress. ”I’m a big advocate for those who need treatment getting treatment,” she said.The new proposals are modeled on laws on the books in New York since 1997. Through the end of 2007, some 27,057 nonviolent offenders have passed through New York’s Merit Time program, shaving an average of 6.4 months off sentences.

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